Since opening Sawaan Thai Kitchen, I’ve had many wonderful conversations with guests about the flavors of our dishes. One question often comes up: “Why does this taste so different from the Thai food I usually get?”
To understand Sawaan, it helps to understand the beautiful difference between American-Thai food and Thai-Thai food.
American-Thai: The Gateway to Flavor
American-Thai food is a cuisine of its own, and we have a lot of respect for it. It was created by early Thai immigrants who had to adapt to local palates and available ingredients.
- The Flavor Profile: Often leans toward the sweeter side. You’ll find lots of peanut sauce and a heavy focus on dishes like Pad Thai or Crab Rangoons.
- The Ingredients: Because traditional Thai herbs weren’t always available, chefs used local vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers.
- The Spice: Usually modified to be “mild” unless requested otherwise.
Thai-Thai: The Soul of Sawaan
When I talk about “Thai-Thai” food, I’m talking about the food I grew up eating—the food my wife and I crave when we think of home. This is the heart of our menu.
- The Balance: Authentic Thai food is a delicate dance of four pillars: Spicy, Sour, Salty, and Sweet. No single flavor should overpower the others.
- The Aromatics: We use “the trinity” of Thai cooking—lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves—along with pungent fish sauce and fermented shrimp paste to create “Umami.”
- The Texture: In Thailand, we love contrast. We use crunchy peanuts, chewy rice noodles, and tender slow-cooked meats, often served with fresh, crunchy herbs like Thai Basil or Mint.
- The Heat: It’s not just about “burning.” The heat from bird’s eye chilies is meant to wake up your palate so you can taste the other ingredients more deeply.
Why We Choose “Thai-Thai“
At Sawaan, my goal isn’t just to feed you; it’s to transport you. Because I am passionate about design and art, I see our food as a “culinary installation.”
I’ve curated our menu to include the exact dishes I enjoy back home. We don’t take shortcuts with our ingredients because we want you to experience that “Aroy muen dai kuen sawaan“ (Taste like heaven) feeling.
When you dine with us, you aren’t just eating “Thai food”—you are sharing a piece of my home and my journey.
— Abid
